Honda Jazz 2011 Vs Toyota Etios Liva– Which Is Better And Why?

Ever since Honda came up with the revised prices of Honda Jazz and Honda City, the sedan as well as small car market seems to be blesses with a new life. The City has been already doing great, except for a drop in sales only because of the unavailability of a CRDI diesel engine variant. The Jazz has been able to survive the market with not so appealing sales but the day its price was cut, a major improvement in sales was observed.

Toyota Etios Liva Exteriors Vs Honda Jazz Exteriors

Toyota has worked really hard to produce a much affordable hatchback without compromising any quality since their tagline itself says Quality Revolution. To an extent the work is quite nice but there is no aggression in the car. It looks extremely simple with nothing so striking that it would make you fall for it. In fact it the simplicity that could draw anybody’s attention.

The front of Etios is just so simple with a chrome finished grille, sporty fender, nice alloys. Going backwards again we get really safe and not so drastic body lines with least styling and towards the rear you will get a nice spoiler. So all in all it is a fairly good looking car which could be considered when you are looking for a fine built, slight sportiness and elegance.

Coming to the Jazz which has been in existence for a few years, it is an eye candy and I am confident that most of you do agree with me. If you see one passing by it somehow makes your head turn. Maybe it is exclusiveness of the car, since it is less in number, or the sheer beauty of the car. It is extremely cute to look at, has got attractive body lines on the front and the overall shape is really sporty and does not need any add-ons like a spoiler and alloys, in fact after installing the said, it looks much more sportier and better than Liva.

Honda Jazz Exterior Dimensions

Length (mm) 3900

Width (mm) 1695

Height (mm) 1535

Wheelbase (mm) 2500

Toyota Etios Liva Exterior Dimensions

Length = 3775 mm

Width = 1695 mm

Height = 1510 mm

Wheelbase = 2460 mm

The Jazz is longer, taller and has got a marginally longer wheelbase and is exactly same in width with the Liva. So you can a little more space in Jazz than the Etios. One of the things that is disappointing to me is the design which has been kept the same, with minor changes, for the 2011 model. But still I would say that in terms of looks Jazz is way ahead of Etios Liva.

Toyota Etios Liva Interiors Vs Honda Jazz Interiors

Honda Jazz is good at style and comfort on the interiors whereas the Etios is slightly behind. The Dashboard of the Etios is quite unconventional and nice but the styling offered by Jazz is simply impressive. In spite of being an old design, the Jazz’s dashboard is amazing and offers a good quality finish. The interiors of the same are slightly roomier than the Etios but since there is not much difference in the proportions of the two there will be no drastic difference.

Both the cars equip a 1.2 Litre engine but there is a considerable difference between the performance of the two. The Etios’ engine produces peak power of 79 BHP and peak torque of 104 Nm whereas the Jazz’s engine, being of the same size, produces an appreciable 90 BHP and peak torque of 110 Nm. Being a petrol engine torque is not of much consideration but still the Etios’ engine kicks in slightly early than the Jazz and therefore is marginally more responsive but when considered the power only Jazz is bigger and better.

Performance again is where Jazz is better as it has, not bigger but more powerful engine but considering the mileage only Etios is ahead with 2 KMPL. In overall ride quality and comfort again Jazz takes the lead. So it would be a no brainer to go for the Jazz if you want a car which pleases you with its driving dynamics and also has a consistent performance.

Toyota Etios Liva Petrol Price Vs Honda Jazz Petrol Price

Toyota Etios Liva Petrol Price (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Toyota Etios Liva J is priced at Rs. 3.99 Lakhs

Toyota Etios Liva G is priced at Rs. 4,59 Lakhs

Toyota Etios Liva G (SP)* is priced at Rs. 5.05Lakhs

Toyota Etios Liva V is priced at Rs. 5.49 Lakhs

Toyota Etios Liva VX is priced at Rs. 5.99 Lakhs

Honda Jazz Petrol Price (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Honda Jazz : Rs. 5.50 Lakh

Honda Jazz Select Edition : Rs. 5.75 Lakh

Honda Jazz X : Rs. 6.06 Lakh (including standard kit)

Here you have a slightly confusing situation as Jazz starts at well around 5.5 Lakh whereas the Etios base can be bought for 4.00 Lakh. The next variant of Etios, the Liva G is priced at 4.6 Lakh and is also offered in a special edition which is again cheaper than the Jazz base. Coming to the top variants of the Liva the V and VX, the Jazz is finally comparable as it also starts somewhere near. In fact between the V and VX top of the line Liva models, Honda has positioned the Jazz Select model which is for 5.75 Lakh and the top end Jazz X is quite close to the Liva with a difference of only 6 k.

The conclusion is quite difficult to get to as the Liva is more of an entry level hatchback whereas the Jazz now sits right below the premium hatchback segment. In case you want a fine at quality, good at driving, affordable and elegant looking car you can go for the Liva J and Liva G or Liva G Special edition. But if you want a little extra performance with are willing to pay a few extra thousands then Jazz is certainly better. It is better in quality, ride, handling, has better looks and also feels much more sporty. It also does make you feel like you are sitting in the same old expensive Jazz and the price cut does not reflects on the car’s looks or finish.

In terms of safety also the Jazz offers all the features as standard such as ABS, EBD etc. whereas the cheaper variants or base ones do not offer the same. If I were asked to choose one from the two I would go with the Jazz definitely as Honda’s have always been known for their comfort, quality, reliability and consistency. So we would love to award the Jazz as the better car but still if one of you is looking for a easy to afford sedan and can compromise on safety, go for the Liva.